About Acadia Pharmaceuticals

Acadia is committed to turning scientific promise into meaningful innovation that makes the difference for underserved neurological and rare disease communities around the world. Our commercial portfolio includes the first and only FDA-approved treatments for Parkinson’s disease psychosis and Rett syndrome. We are developing the next wave of therapeutic advancements with a robust and diverse pipeline that includes mid- to late-stage programs in Alzheimer’s disease psychosis and Lewy body dementia psychosis, along with earlier-stage programs that address other underserved patient needs. At Acadia, we’re here to be their difference.

Please note that this position can be based in Princeton, NJ or San Diego, CA. Acadia's hybrid model requires this role to work in our office three days per week on average.

Position Summary:

The Director, External Innovation will lead the scientific assessment and evaluation of new asset and partnership opportunities aligned with the company’s corporate strategy and R&D portfolio across Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Neuro-rare, and Non-neuro Rare Disease areas. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of identifying promising science and helping determine which opportunities have the potential to strengthen the pipeline and create meaningful impact for patients.

This role plays a key part in identifying, evaluating, and advancing global in-licensing, acquisition, and partnership opportunities. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-functional leaders to support diligence, inform strategic decision-making, and contribute to transaction execution, while building trusted relationships across the biotech, pharmaceutical, and academic communities.

Primary Responsibilities:

Lead search and evaluation activities within the External Innovation organization, identifying and assessing potential new assets, technologies, and partnership opportunities
Generate and prioritize opportunities through proactive external biotech, pharma, and academic landscape monitoring and through industry engagement
Evaluate scientific and clinical data to assess the value and strategic fit of in‑licensing and acquisition opportunities
Lead or co‑lead cross‑functional due diligence efforts, partnering with R&D, CMC, Commercial, Legal, and Finance organizations to assess opportunities
Prepare and present opportunity assessments, recommendations, and strategic insights to senior leadership, accountable for deliverables including integrated development plans, budgets, and risk assessments to inform decision making
Contribute to development of deal structures, term sheets, and internal business cases to support transaction decisions
Partner with Finance and cross‑functional teams to assess potential return on investment and key value drivers
Support or lead elements of transaction processes, including formation and coordination of due diligence teams, acting as scientific interface with target company leadership, , and ensuring internal alignment
Build and maintain relationships with biotech companies, academic institutions, and key scientific leaders to support sourcing efforts
Stay current on scientific and industry trends, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies relevant to the company’s focus areas
Serve as a key contributor to knowledge management related to external opportunities and prior transactions
Perform other duties as assigned

Education/Experience/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline required; advanced degree (PhD, PharmD, MD, or Master’s) preferred
10–12+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, including experience in external innovation, business development, or related roles
Experience in neuroscience and/or rare disease (neurologic/psychiatric and/or non‑neuro rare disease) strongly preferred
Strong scientific expertise with the ability to evaluate complex clinical and preclinical data
Experience in external search, opportunity evaluation, and business development processes
Understanding of drug development, commercialization considerations, and industry dynamics
Cross-functional drug development project leadership and/or project management experience is a plus
Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights for senior stakeholders
Strong cross‑functional collaboration and influencing skills in a matrixed environment
Effective communication and presentation skills, including interaction with senior leadership
Working knowledge of transaction processes, due diligence, and partnership structures
Familiarity with intellectual property considerations in pharmaceutical development
Ability to manage multiple priorities and operate effectively in a fast‑paced environment
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

Physical Requirements:

This role involves regular standing, walking, sitting, and the use of hands for handling or operating equipment. The employee may also need to reach, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and maintain visual, verbal, and auditory communication both in a standard office environment and while working independently from remote locations. Employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. This position requires the ability to travel independently overnight and/or work after hours as required by travel schedule or business needs.

#LI-HYBRID #LI-MS1

In addition to a competitive base salary, this position is also eligible for discretionary bonus and equity awards based on factors such as individual and organizational performance. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance, and location.

Salary Range

$196,000—$245,200 USD

What we offer US-based Employees:

Competitive base, bonus, new hire and ongoing equity packages
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Employer-paid life, disability, business travel and EAP coverage
401(k) Plan with a fully vested company match 1:1 up to 5%
Employee Stock Purchase Plan with a 2-year purchase price lock-in
15+ vacation days
13 -15 paid holidays, including office closure between December 24th and January 1st
10 days of paid sick time
Paid parental leave benefit
Tuition assistance

EEO Statement (US-based Employees): Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications in the exact way they are described in job postings. We are committed to building a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and innovative company, and we are looking for the BEST candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background or may meet the qualifications in a different way. We strongly encourage you to apply, especially if the reason you are the best candidate isn’t exactly what we describe here.

It is the policy of Acadia to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and employment applicants without regard to considerations of race, including related to hairstyle, color, religion or religious creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, gender transition, country of origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, legally-protected medical condition or information, marital status, domestic partner status, family care status, military caregiver status, veteran or military status (including reserve status, National Guard status, and military service or obligation), status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, enrollment in a public assistance program, or any basis protected under federal, state or local law.

As an equal opportunity employer, Acadia is committed to a diverse workforce. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. Furthermore, you may request additional support if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Acadia’s career website due to your disability, along with any accommodations throughout the interview process. To request or inquire about your reasonable accommodation, please complete our Reasonable Accommodation Request Form or contact us at talentacquisition@acadia-pharm.com or 858-261-2923.

Please note that reasonable accommodations granted throughout the recruiting process are not guaranteed to be the same accommodations given if hired. A new request will need to be submitted for any ADA accommodations after starting employment.

California Applicants: Please see Additional Information for California Residents within our Privacy Policy.

Canadian Applicants: Please see Additional Information for Canadian Residents within our Privacy Policy.

Applicants in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia: Please see Additional Information for Individuals in the European Economic Area, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Serbia within our Privacy Policy.

Notice to Search Firms/Third-Party Recruitment Agencies (Recruiters): The Talent Acquisition team manages the recruitment and employment process for Acadia Pharmaceuticals Inc. (“Acadia”). Acadia does not accept resumes from recruiters or search firms without an executed search agreement in place. Resumes sent to Acadia employees in the absence of an executed search agreement will not obligate Acadia in any way with respect to the future employment of those individuals or potential remuneration to any recruiter or search firm. Candidates should never be submitted directly to our hiring managers or employees.

Director, External Innovation

Key skills

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